Beloved Fremantle creative Horatio T Birdbath, who dedicated his life to making the port city more colourful and inclusive, will be commemorated this weekend with a series of events across the city, following his passing in June. People are encouraged to dress “wonderfully peculiar” for the occasion.
Who Was Horatio T Birdbath?
Known as the city’s last bohemian, Birdbath was a familiar face synonymous with Fremantle’s vibrant energy. He spent his time creating public art and connecting with people. His works include the planter box artworks along the Cappuccino Strip, the colourful bollards at Walyalup Koort, and the sprawling mural on the back of Gino’s cafe, known as Horatio’s Wall. The artist lived in Fremantle for 34 years before he passed away on Saturday, June 13.
City-Wide Celebration on Sunday
A city-wide celebration of his 73 years of life is scheduled for Sunday, organised by locals and supported by the City of Fremantle. The day will begin at 12.30pm with dress-ups at Artsource, honouring Birdbath’s legacy of eccentric fashion and quirky hats. At 1.30pm, locals are invited to gather at the Market Street mural for a ‘wail at the wall’, before walking to Fremantle Town Hall where people can share eulogies from 2.30pm.
Evening Festivities
Horatio Day will conclude with an after party at The Buffalo Club, featuring songs from Jamie David, Steve Gibson and David Pensaben, followed by music performances from Dave Johnson and Phoebe Corke. The night will end with shows from Freo favourite bands Aretinos and Los Removalists.
Good Sammy Tribute Fundraiser
Second-hand clothing charity Good Sammy will also host a tribute fundraiser the day before, to help pay for Birdbath’s funeral and memorial. Store manager Charmaine Hall said Birdbath was a daily visitor to the second-hand shop, beloved by staff who looked forward to every encounter.
“Horatio, our friend. He would unassumingly walk in, wandering around looking for nothing in particular. He would chat or just sit on our couch in the book area reading,” she said. “Our staff loved to find ‘Horatio’ items, mostly dress up things that he would happily put on and parade around the store. He loved being with our staff and we would look out for him daily. Everyone would announce his arrival and rush to him to say hello. We miss him terribly.”
Good Sammy CEO Kane Blackman was a long-time friend of Birdbath’s, and said the fundraiser would honour his “kindness, creativity and unmistakable spirit”. The community is also invited to donate towards the memorial and funeral through gofundme. Excess funds could possibly go towards an exhibition or permanent memorial in Fremantle.
